FIA Confident 2026 F1 Rules to Bring 'Unpredictable, Exciting' Racing
The FIA is confident that Formula 1's 2026 regulations will lead to "more exciting racing," with major overhauls to car design, power units, and overtaking aids. Lighter, narrower cars, active aero, and a new 'manual override' electric boost replacing DRS are set to improve following capabilities and introduce greater strategic variability in energy management. While an initial performance spread is expected, the long-term aim is a more unpredictable and thrilling F1 spectacle.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis believes the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulations will usher in an era of “more exciting racing,” driven by lighter, narrower cars, enhanced electric hybrid components, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. A key change is the replacement of DRS with a new ‘manual override’ electric energy boost for trailing cars, designed to make overtaking more dynamic and less predictable.
Why it matters:
Formula 1 is aiming to refresh its spectacle and address concerns about predictable racing. By introducing a completely overhauled regulatory framework, the FIA hopes to not only improve the on-track action but also align the sport with future automotive trends through sustainable fuels and advanced hybrid technology. This shift could significantly level the playing field, at least initially, and foster greater competition among teams.
The Details:
- Car Design: The 2026 cars will be lighter and narrower, featuring active aerodynamics with both front and rear wings opening on straights.
- Power Unit: A larger electric component will be integrated into the hybrid engines, alongside the exclusive use of 100% sustainable fuels.
- Overtaking Mechanism: The current Drag Reduction System (DRS) will be replaced by a ‘manual override’ electric energy boost. This system will provide a speed advantage to a trailing car, allowing for more strategic and skill-dependent overtakes.
- Aerodynamic Improvements: The FIA expects a significant reduction in 'dirty air' effects, allowing cars to follow each other more closely. Tombazis states that the downforce loss at 20 meters behind a lead car, which was 50% on older cars and initially 80-85% on 2022 cars (now around 70%), is projected to be around 90% in 2026, marking a substantial improvement in following capabilities.
- Energy Management: The new power units will introduce more variability in performance based on how drivers manage and deploy energy around the lap. Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan noted that even identical power units could show performance differences of several tenths per lap due to driver energy deployment, adding an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability.
The Big Picture:
The 2022 regulations aimed to improve racing by allowing cars to follow more closely, and while initially successful, the effect has gradually diminished as teams optimized their designs. The 2026 rules represent a more radical departure, with a focus on holistic changes to both chassis and power unit. The FIA has incorporated lessons learned from the 2022 cycle, particularly in aerodynamics, to ensure the new cars genuinely promote closer racing. This comprehensive overhaul is a strategic move to ensure F1 remains at the pinnacle of motorsport entertainment and technological innovation.
What's next:
While an initial larger spread in performance between teams is anticipated as they adapt to the new regulations, the long-term goal is to create a more competitive and unpredictable grid. Teams are already deep into the development of their 2026 cars and power units. The true impact of these changes will become clear when the new generation of cars hits the track, but the FIA's confidence suggests a commitment to delivering a more thrilling spectacle for fans.